Fired AKB48 idol Mei Hanada claims management coerced her to shave head over rendezvous with fan (opens original article in a new tab)

A former AKB48 member claims her management coerced her to shave her head after she met a fan, while the agency denied the allegations and cited other reasons for her termination.

• Mei Hanada, former AKB48 member, claims management coerced her to shave her head after meeting a fan
• Hanada alleged management questioned her about a fan, referenced past incidents, and pressured her to shave to remain in the group
• DH denied coercion, stating they never instructed her to shave and cited her absence and communication issues as reasons for termination
• Hanada's termination is the first in AKB48's 21-year history